Homicide suspect arrested at border attempting to return to U.S.

A northwest Arizona homicide suspect was arrested last week while trying to enter the United States from Mexico.

Nora Sandoval, 35, and Chase Salveson, 42, both of Bullhead City, Ariz., are charged in the August 2011 homicide of Raymond Sanchez.

Sanchez, 36, was stabbed more than 80 times and dumped in the desert wrapped in shower curtains purchased by Sandoval, according to investigators.

Sandoval was detained Nov. 26 by Homeland Security personnel who checked her warrant status at the Calexico West Port of Entry on the California border, according to Emily Fromelt, police spokeswoman for Bullhead City, Ariz.

Detectives believe Salveson killed Sanchez because he stole a “significant amount” of methamphetamine from Sandoval, Fromelt said

Months after Sandoval was convicted in absentia on drug charges in September 2012, detectives linked her and Salveson to the homicide, Fromelt said.

Sandoval faces up to 45 years in prison in the drug case and the possibility of life in prison for the homicide. Sandoval is held without bond in the Imperial County jail pending extradition to Arizona.

Salveson was arrested in August and is in the Mohave County jail awaiting trial.